Liver Tumors - FAQs

FAQs About Liver Tumors

What Is the Liver?

As the largest solid organ in your body, the liver cleans out toxins and waste in the blood stream. It is on the right side of your body, just beneath your right lung.

What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the liver. It is relatively rare in the United States.

What Are Symptoms of Liver Cancer?

Symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages. Pain in the stomach on the upper right side, stomach swelling, lack of appetite or full feeling, and sudden weight loss may be symptoms of liver cancer.

Who Is at Risk for Liver Cancer?

Men are at a higher risk than women, and liver cancer tends to be more common in undeveloped countries in Africa and Asia. The American Cancer Society estimated over 39,000 new diagnoses of primary liver cancer and 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of bile duct cancer for 2016.

How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is determined by a doctor examination and medical history followed by blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsy.

Should You Get a Second Opinion About Your Diagnosis?

It is often a good idea to get a second opinion with any cancer diagnosis, especially if the cancer is rare or you are uncomfortable with the treatment plan. Some insurance companies even require patients to get a second opinion.

How Do You Treat Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer may be treated with surgery, ablation, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Can You Live Without a Liver?

The liver rids the blood of poisons and assists in breaking down chemicals and medicines. You cannot live without a liver.

What Is New With Liver Cancer Research?

Prevention methods are currently being studied, including prevention of hepatitis, treatment of chronic hepatitis, targeted therapy, local chemotherapy, and radiation with radioactive beads.

What Are Clinical Trials and Should You Join One?

Clinical trials are new studies for Phoenix liver tumor treatment or other cancer treatment. For more information, contact Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center at 602-441-3845